Just a silly question. If you reset a skill, say smithing, will the guard reactions reset too? They won't ask me to "sharpen their sword?"

Not exactly sure, but I believe it does. Useful for some who don't like being called sneak-thief.

I wish it were like this for factions... don't wanna be called the guy who can "cast a few spells" simply because I HAD TO join the college of winterhold to progress through the DG questline, even though my character doesn't use magic

Ya, I don't like the sneak-thief one. The only reaction I like from guards are the obvious things: me being an archer and elf. Obvious stuff because I am an elf and I'm carrying a bow. Otherwise, I like and should be anonymous for my nomad-explorer type characters.

The skill related comments from guards start when your skill level reaches 30. If you "Legendary" it, they will stop.

I wonder why they never say anything about one handed weapons and shields...

I don't think you had to join them. Not only can you enter the College without joining, but you can find the priest and the scroll without asking them anyway.

I think you still have to join if you want to complete the Forbidden Legend quest, that may begin even if you don't want by accidentally reading the book.

It's also needed for one of the unusual gems.

They're only side quests though. And Forbidden Legend is a mages related quest, so it's fine. I have no problem not picking the gems nor reading the books.

That being said, I don't like quests that are forced upon me, or at least forced in my mission log.

Thank you!